Pastor Amos Dada, a Canada-based Nigerian cleric, has urged global governments, particularly in Africa, to take a firm stand against corruption, warning that if unchecked, the pervasive issue could dismantle societies.
In a thought-provoking piece titled ‘Say No to Corruption: A Call for Moral and Ethical Reawakening,’ Dada draws from his book “To the Rescue: Say No to Corruption,” to highlight the destructive impact corruption has had on societal structures.
Dada expressed a strong sense of responsibility to contribute toward the eradication of corruption, emphasizing that his research and insights, particularly from his book, are his way of aiding efforts to rid nations, especially African countries, of this menace.
He said, “I feel a deep sense of responsibility to share insights from my research, particularly from my book, ‘To the Rescue: Say No to Corruption,’ as my contribution toward ridding our society and nations, especially Africa, of the scourge of corruption.”
Corruption, Dada pointed out, will not simply disappear by wishful thinking or recognition of its harms but will require a deliberate commitment from individuals to eliminate it.
He urged, “Corruption will not simply vanish because we dislike it or recognize its harmful effects. It will only disappear when we make a deliberate, personal commitment to eradicate it from our lives. Let’s prepare for this vital work.”
He described corruption as a destructive cancer that undermines societal fabric, development, and justice, pointing to its various forms such as bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and abuse of power.
The cleric noted that corruption seeps into both public and private sectors, severely disrupting society. “Corruption is a cancer that eats away at the fabric of society, undermining development, trust, and justice,” he stated. “It manifests in different forms—bribery, embezzlement, favoritism, nepotism, and misuse of power—and infiltrates both public and private sectors.”
According to Dada, the call to ‘Say No to Corruption’ is far from just a slogan; it is a call for moral and ethical awakening rooted in the pursuit of justice, fairness, and transparency.
He explained, “The call to ‘Say No to Corruption’ is not merely a slogan; it is a clarion call for moral and ethical reawakening in our societies, driven by a desire for justice, transparency, equity, and prosperity.”
He further elaborated on the many causes of corruption, including weak legal and judicial systems, lack of accountability, greed, and cultural norms that encourage unethical behavior such as bribery. Dada added that economic inequalities often drive people to resort to bribery or fraud as a means of survival.
“Corruption thrives in environments of weak legal frameworks and a lack of transparency,” he said. “Cultural norms that view bribes as acceptable and widespread economic disparities also contribute significantly to the corruption epidemic.”
In conclusion, Dada reiterated that corruption affects every level of society, from small-scale bribery to large-scale embezzlement, ultimately hindering societal progress and justice.
